Reconnecting
[Image ID - Me on a path in the Dolomites. One of the breathtaking mountains stands tall behind me.]
Ciao!
Welcome to the Maxy’s Moments blog. These will be sporadic check-ins sharing some thoughts alongside a set of photos and videos.
It is exciting and daunting doing this. I have ambitions to develop my written storytelling skills. The recent ‘Motorhome Moments’ blog project taught me that the only way to do this is by putting pieces out.
Anchored
Life moves fast. One year ago, the pandemic remained at the front of our minds. Now, mindsets have changed.
I was privileged to experience a year of adventure. For six months I lived out of a backpack. The travels began following every stride of my friend Sean’s 4,000 km run down Australia’s East Coast. A superhuman effort that provoked action to chase your dreams now. Following this, a trip to Europe.
[Image ID - a silhouette of Sean warming up for one of his 60 runs at sunrise.]
It is strange looking back on experiences you prepared so long for. Surreal highs become distant memories that feel like they went by in a flash. New experiences at home begin to overwrite old ones. At what point does the person at home more accurately depict who you are than the person that was travelling? The answer lies somewhere between.
[Image ID - a person sitting by the cliffs near Lagos.]
City fatigue
I was welcomed home to Naarm/Melbourne’s familiar grind. Countless things fight for your attention. Your answer to ‘how are you?’ is what you are doing rather than your state of being. You lose touch with your connection to yourself.
I fell into many burnouts attempting to keep up with the productivity chase. With every lapse, I learn something new about myself.
Stepping out
[Image ID - Chiara taking in the view at Squeaky Beach.]
We are lucky to have endless escapes outside of the city. Trips away provide gentle reminders of what you need to refresh yourself. Days in nature with no reception show how connected you can feel when disconnected.
It is fascinating seeing what these environments do to people. Extended periods exploring and around the campsite with friends allow time for deep conversations, silly ones, and comfortable silences. For stretches of time, all you can hear are the birds, your breath, and the sound of your foot hitting the path. It is remarkable how these experiences intensify relationships with yourself and others.
[Image ID - Soph, Em, Mike, and Lucy enjoying themselves on a picnic rug in the Otways.]
Implementing
It is a fun battle trying to apply experiences away into my daily routine. I am beginning to understand progress’ non-linear trajectory. Motivation drops, which for me leads to a doom scroll. I am learning to be self-compassionate rather than my own enemy.
The boundaries you set for yourself are sometimes going to break. When this happens, pick yourself up with kindness rather than through punishment.
“Slowly is the fastest way to get to where you want to be.” - Andre de Shields
